Giants' top managerial candidate is a World Series champion with major ties to Buster Posey

Hunter Cookston

Giants' top managerial candidate is a World Series champion with major ties to Buster Posey image

The San Francisco Giants find themselves in the same situation as several other MLB franchises—they’re searching for their next manager, and a decision could be made soon. After a disappointing season that fell short of expectations, the Giants decided to part ways with manager Bob Melvin.

“After careful evaluation, we determined that making a change in leadership was in the best interest of the team," said Buster Posey, the Giants' president of baseball operations. "The last couple of months have been both disappointing and frustrating for all of us, and we did not perform up to our standards. We now turn our focus to identifying a new leader to guide us forward."

The managerial search has been underway for some time, and one name has emerged as a potential favorite: former Giant Nick Hundley.

“Former MLB catcher Nick Hundley is considered the favorite for the opening with the San Francisco Giants, where his former teammate, Buster Posey, is the president of baseball operations,” reported The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli.

Hundley has already left his mark on the Giants organization, notably by earning the prestigious Willie Mac Award—an honor named after Giants legend Willie McCovey.

“Hundley has ties to the Giants organization. He played for the club for two seasons while serving as Buster Posey's backup and taking home the 2017 Willie Mac Award. Hundley was recently in San Francisco as part of this year's Willie Mac Award ceremony for Willy Adames,” wrote Jeff Young of Around the Foghorn.

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While Hundley is seen as a strong candidate, his lack of managerial experience is a significant risk. However, Posey is very familiar with Hundley, having played alongside him, and understands the kind of player and leader he is.

Posey isn't likely to hire someone he doesn’t believe is ready—but questions about Hundley’s readiness are bound to remain.

Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.